A place for me to discuss recent book acquisitions, my academic and other writing, my reading of fiction and poetry, and my enjoyment of popular culture. About the name: John Dee (1527-1609) kept a considerable library at his home in Mortlake, Surrey on the outskirts of London.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Art and Comics

When I first looked at this beautiful panel from All Star Superman #3, pencilled by Frank Quitely, I thought of Sandro Boticelli's Birth of Venus.

I don't know if Quitely has a fondness for Italian renaissance painting, or if the visual citation is even a conscious one. However, given the issue's multiple classical references, and Lois' central role in it as an object of desire, the connection to the painting does indeed seem appropriate.